In this episode of emPOWER, Wendy Agar sits down with Karen Cain—a Gippsland farmer, former CEO of the Latrobe Valley Authority, and now an international researcher and advisor on the energy transition. Karen’s career has been shaped by her commitment to helping regions navigate big change while building on their strengths.

From her vantage point in Gippsland—an energy-producing powerhouse for more than 130 years—Karen reflects on how this new phase of the region’s story can be an opportunity, not just a challenge. She shares the importance of knitting together lessons learned elsewhere with what’s known locally, and bringing all stakeholders into the conversation so that truly place-based solutions can emerge.

Together, they explore:

• The unique strengths regional Australian communities bring in this shift
  
• The three pillars of regional development and why they matter for every community
• Why place-based solutions are essential for lasting benefits
  
• How individuals—no matter their role—can contribute to the change
  

Whether you’re working in policy, leading projects, or navigating big changes in your own town, this conversation offers practical ways to ensure regional voices are at the centre of the energy shift and communities can see, and seize, the opportunity ahead.

emPOWER is proudly supported by The Energy Charter, a CEO-led collaboration across the national energy sector. They partner with communities to create a Regional Energy Accord that guides the transition and delivers real local outcomes.

Produced by The Podcast Boss